What is a requirement for information to be classified as 'protected health information' (PHI)?

For information to be classified as 'protected health information' (PHI), it must be identifiable to an individual. This means that the information can be linked to a specific person, allowing for the protection of personal health information under regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). PHI includes any health information that can be used to identify an individual, such as their name, address, medical record number, and other identifiers related to the individual's health status.

The identification of individuals is crucial because it ensures that their sensitive health information is kept confidential and protected from unauthorized access or disclosure. This classification facilitates adherence to privacy standards and reinforces the trust between healthcare providers and patients.

The other options do not align with the criteria for PHI. For example, information that is shared publicly cannot be considered protected, as PHI is specifically designed to safeguard personal health details. Additionally, not all PHI must come from children, nor does it need to be stored electronically, as PHI can exist in various forms—electronic, paper, or oral.